Formula fed for 2 weeks at doctors request.

Megan - posted on 02/02/2010
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11 moms have responded
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My 8 1/2 month old daughter recently underwent some tests as she was apparently too small. She was well covered but just wasn't on the growth chart anymore. The specialist said that according to the growth chart she was failure to thrive but looking at her she was just a healthy small little girl. He asked that she be formula fed for two weeks to see if it was my supply and if she put on more than 200 grams a week then it was my breast milk. However she has only put on 100 grams a week which is what she was gaining breastfeeding. I now want to wean her off of the formula and back on breast but she doesn;t seem full from a brestfeed and I end up giving her a bottle afterwards any idea's on how to bring my supply up quickly would be greatly appreciated as I am feeling very incapable at the moment!

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Jennifer - posted on 02/02/2010

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Megan,

Fenugreek and blessed thistle are two herbs that can boost your supply they can be taken together, three tablets/capsules of each, three times per day.

they only work if they are accompanied by increased nursing. so it's a good idea to increase the frequency of nursing. If possible, you could have a nursing vacation with her. set aside 2 or 3 days when you really focus on getting your supply up. during this time, spend as much time nursing as you possibly can. try to be sure you are doing nothing during these days. let the housework wait, prepare meals ahead or order in. just take care of yourself and your daughter, let everything else wait. this will really help to get your supply back up. it was there before, it will come back up again!

I agree w/ Jennifer 100% - especially if you went 2 weeks without breastfeeding or pumping. Set aside 3 days minimum. During that time do almost nothing but nurse. Every 1 1/2 - 2 hours, going absolutely no more than 3 hours (except at night when the max will be 4 hours), and make that rare. At least twice a day make sure you are nursing topless, and she only have a diaper on - the skin to skin REALLY helps milk production. I take the supplement called "More Milk Plus" - works REALLY well. Mothers who are adopting newborns and want to breastfeed take it, and pump, and it actually helps them to lactate :) Don't wait for her to tell you when she is hungry, just do it by the clock, wake her up if you need to - you should be good after that. And NO more bottles. It will help if you are relaxed and not stressed - she should just sleep inbetween feedings instead of being cranky.

My son was, and still is small for his age, at 7mths. According to the 'charts' he is only in the 10th percentile of weight.My son also only puts on about 100grams per week also, and is a very happy, active little man who has reached his milestones fairly early. There is nothing wrong with your breastmilk, I think your specialist is misinformed! I would not listen to your specialist in this case especially if you know your daughter is happy, healthy, and has a regular amount of nappies. Growth charts are usually calculated on formula fed babies, and are an inaccurate measure of bf babies. Try what Jennifer said, also you can get a script from your doc for domperidone, which specifically increases your milk supply (I have used it myself and my supply was going great by about day 3 or 4) Also you can get a SNS (Supplemental Nursing System) aka Supply Line which runs from your breast into the bottle so bub is stimulating your breast while still being nourished. Hope this helps!

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Martha - posted on 02/08/2010

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Those stupid charts that doctors shouldn't use, are based on FORMULA fed babies, not breast fed babies. As long as you daughter isnt actually losing weight, as long as she is having plenty of wet diapers, and as long as she is meeting milestones SHE IS FINE. How big was she when she was born? how big is she now? ALSO breastmilk has more fat and calories than formula so giving her formula wont help her gain weight, it would just constipate her and give her inferior nutrition to what you would be giving her. Most doctors don't know much about BFing, if you are still concerned please talk to a lactation consultant, they are the only medical professinals actually trained to know about breast feeding.

A word of warning - Domperidone is not approved by the FDA: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/Safet...There are many suppements that may or may not help with increasing your supply. Being lazy, I'd much prefer to just eat lots of fruit and vegetables rather then blending them chopping and blending them! I was told stout is good, especially Guiness. Don't know if it made any difference, but I love stout! Frequent breastfeeding is the best way to increase your supply, as others have said. Don't be tempted to use the bottle - if she seems hungry, offer her the breast again.Good luck!

I agree with all the posts up here so far but in addition I would add two things.

First, here is a smoothie recipe for increased milk supply: 1/2 cup pineapple or pineapple-coconut juice1/2 cup rice, almond, coconut, or any variety of milk4 chunks (the equivalent of 1 whole) frozen banana1 large handful frozen kalePut all ingredients in blender until smooth. (you can keep the banana and kale in plastic baggies in the freezer ahead of time.)

Also, there are several nursing teas you can buy, or make your own. Drink several cups a day. I believe that teas are a good way for your body to absorb the herbs.

Preheat oven at 180 degrees C (350 degrees F). Mix together 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal and water, set aside for 3-5 minutes. Cream (beat well) margarine and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, mix well. Stir flaxseed mixture and add with vanilla to the margarine mix. Beat until blended. Sift together dry ingredients, except oats and chips. Add to margarine mixture. Stir in oats then chips. Scoop or drop onto baking sheet, preferably lined with parchment. The dough is a little crumbly, so it helps to use a scoop.Bake 8-12 minutes, depending on size of cookies.

Serves: 6 dozen cookies

Preparation time: 15 minutes

*can be found at any local health food store. Don't substitute brewer's yeast for anything else... that's what makes 'em work!

Thank-you everybody. I will do everything which you have suggested to me. I was at my wits end with bottles. I was only feeding her once a day to keep some sort of supply going so I know now that I can get it back. Thanks again for all of your help and support!

my son to was small according to the growth chart...19lbs at 12 months but my ped told me that these charts aren't designed for breastfed babies and that she has to take in other factors as well to decide the health of my son or others.